Long Beach OKs new budget software for public use

Long Beach residents may be able to tweak the city budget online this year.

The City Council voted this week to move ahead with legislation presented by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske to purchase an interactive budget software program to help illustrate fiscal challenges to the public.

The software is expected to cost no more than $15,000, officials said.

Councilmembers shot down another budget-related item, also advanced by Schipske, that sought to develop a policy to handle money, such as oil revenue, that exceeds projected expectations.

Councilmembers argued over the issue last year when two competing plans surfaced to spend $18.4 million in surplus oil money on public safety, parks, libraries and infrastructure.

The request, which was co-sponsored by Councilman Steve Neal, was received and filed.